Charleston, S.C., is home to many of the oldest congregations in the country, including Southern Baptists. First Baptist Church, Charleston, is of particular interest to Baptists as the earliest Baptist church in the South.
First, Charleston, was organized Sept. 25, 1682, in Kittery, Maine, under the sponsorship of First Baptist Church of Boston.
Late in 1696, the pastor, William Screven, and 28 members of the Kittery congregation immigrated to Charleston, and by 1708, the membership numbered 98.
In 1749 Oliver Hart, a minister from Philadelphia, became the pastor and brought to Charleston the methods he had learned in Philadelphia — the center of Baptist life in America at that time.
First Baptist association
By 1751 Hart had gathered representatives from three other Baptist churches in the colony and formed Charleston Baptist Association, the first Baptist association in the South. It is from these early days of Charleston Association that Southern Baptists trace their foundation in missions and education. In 1814 Hart became the first president of the Triennial Convention, the first national Baptist convention in America
First, Charleston’s, present sanctuary was dedicated in 1822, but the present location has been the site of the sanctuary since 1699.
When the British seized Charleston in 1780, the occupying commander used the church for storage of provisions for two years.
Today visitors are invited to worship and visit the historic church located at 61 Church St.
The church continues to be a leader in missions. They have recently completed a planning process known as “Thy Kingdom Come” — a plan that leads churches to prepare for the future.
Pastor Marshall Blalock said, “The first international missions offering was given here, and the first woman’s mission society began here. Along with these significant firsts, the church is committed to bring glory to God and extending his Kingdom today.”
Most pastors would be upset if weekly visitors did not return, but Blalock empathizes with the tourists, which are usually 15 to 20 of those attending Sunday morning services. “We are always honored and enriched to have guests visit here in Charleston,” he said.
“Our hope is that all who visit will be inspired to know that our sovereign God who faithfully began a good work in this congregation over three centuries ago is still being glorified here. Our heritage belongs to all Southern Baptists, and we are pleased to share it.”
Blalock said the 8:45 a.m. Sunday service tends to be less formal than the 11 a.m. service, although “many tourists walk to worship, and comfortable clothes are always welcomed.”
The sanctuary is open at various times during the week for tours. Groups may call ahead and the church will provide tour guides. Visitors are provided with copies of brief historical sketches of the church and can view historic artifacts and documents.
For more information contact First, Charleston, by calling 843-722-3896 or visiting its Web site, www.fbcharleston.org.
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